However one Micra owner pointed out to me that there's an argument to be made for the old-school 4-speed automatic in terms of total cost of ownership over the long haul: the manual will probably need a pricy clutch replacement in its lifetime, while the CVT needs expensive periodic fluid changes. The 4-speed auto needs neither. YMMV.

In my entire driving career (99% on manuals since 1973), I've never had to replace a worn out clutch. For me the gear teeth, bearings, or fork wear out well before the clutch lining is gone.